Did you realize that kids today are more likely to choose video games or television over reading? Unfortunately, this will clearly affect their abilities and academic success. Did you know that the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), a division of the US Department of Education that provides results on student achievement, has directly linked reading for fun with academic success? Did you know that, as part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, the Department of Education kicked off Let’s Read! in July 2011?
That’s a lot of questions, I know, but the tons of statistics out there all point to one BIG answer: All children benefit from learning to read; reading more; and reading for enjoyment.
We need to lure children away from video games, social media, and television and show them that reading can be just as incredible and engaging. Did you know that only 27% of NY 4th graders scored Proficient on the NAEP (National Assessment of Education Progress) ELA testing? And only 9% scored Advanced? That means that 64% of NYS 4th grade students scored Basic or Below Basic on the assessment. The 8th grade numbers are just as compelling: 30% Proficient, 9% Advanced, and the remaining 66% at Basic or Below. We need to motivate these kids to read more. Reading MORE = reading better. Let’s see if we can get our students to work on that equation!
One key to inspiring children to read more for fun is to present reading in an entertaining way. If a student sees reading as a chore, they will resist it. This makes total sense. Nobody considers chores to be fun, do they? Reading Assembly Programs for elementary and intermediate schools can keep our students interested in reading and maybe even encourage them to read more! New York PTA and PTO organizations are searching for assemblies that support PARP (Parents as Reading Partners) and that are interesting, fun, and good additions to their curriculums.
This is where I come in. My "Read to Succeed" program is a perfect accompaniment to book fairs, Turn Off TV Week, National Library Week, Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Celebration, and of course the First Lady’s Let’s Read!
In my programs, I introduce popular children’s books to get kids excited about them with my magic. I talk about how life inside of books is like finding a treasure. I stress the importance of taking good care of books – especially library books. My reading assembly will not only motivate students to read, teachers and administrators will have renewed ideas and interests as well… After all, who doesn’t like magic?
Why not offer your students some valuable lessons about reading in an entertaining, engaging, and totally unique way? "Read to Succeed" will illuminate the magic of reading for your elementary students!
Reading School Assembly Program Reviews
Laura Stukenborg, School Counselor, School 16 - Troy, New York
Carrie Olson - PTA President - Stillwater Elementary School - Stillwater, NY
Amazing Magic Tricks:Magic is a universal attention-getter. Children and adults alike love magic. I use my magic to enhance NY students’ love of reading and even visiting the library!
Age-Appropriate Humor:Who doesn’t love to laugh? I use humor to motivate your students’ interest in books and reading. There won’t be any getting bored and misbehaving during the program – they’ll be too busy laughing!
Join-In-Fun:
My special New York Literacy school assembly program incorporates student volunteers. The boys and girls love to help me make magic happen in their schools!
Illustrations of Reading: Willie the worm becomes a stunning butterfly when he visits the library to check out books. Students will learn how books will make their minds grow and change.
Funny Storytelling: What do toilet paper and books have to do with my reading assembly program? When you find out, you’ll laugh right along with the kids!
Life Lessons: Your students will learn to take good care of library books and return them on time as well as the value of reading for fun.
"Domino the Great Was The Test Reading Incentive Program We Had!"
"Domino the Great was the best reading incentive program we have had this year. Even our older students and reluctant readers were motivated by the magic message of reading!"
- Rosemary Vetrano - Media Specialist - Demarest Elementary School - Bloomfield, New Jersey
"This Assembly Is A Wonderful Way To Promote A Love For Reading & A Love For Learning!"
"Domino the Great put on a developmentally appropriate Read to Succeed Assembly for my first grade students. He captivated their attention and sent a positive message to students about how magical and exciting books can be....."and the best part is the books are free!" he said.
After the assembly many students showed me (with excitement) the books that they had checked out of the library that matched the title/series that were referenced during the assembly. I also had a few students tell me that they were going to read about becoming an astronaut, magician, and a zoo keeper because that's what they want to be when they grow up! This assembly is a wonderful way to promote a love for reading and a love for learning!"
- Jill Healy - Principal at Northbridge Elementary - Whitinsville, MA
"Our Principal Loved Your "Read To Succeed" Message!"
"Our principal said, "it is always a crap shoot when you book a performer for an assembly - they can have the most interesting web pages, the best comments, or pictures as advertisement and you never really know how they will be until they show up. He continued by saying that you lived up to everything you promoted, he loved your "Reading To Succeed" message! Our Principal also enjoyed the magic and comedy that came along with your show and said that you were a real assets to our school's theme "Reading Around The World in 180 Days".
The teachers, also had wonderful things to say, they all loved the 'ring game' and joke or returning it to them without you moving from your space. The teachers all agreed your message and promotion of the importance of reading was understood and enjoyed by many of the kids in their classrooms. The parents at PTO were also very happy with you and said that many of their kids came home from school and told them all about you. The message lasted from early morning until well after school and hopefully longer into the future too.
Domino pushed the importance of reading all throughout the assembly by bringing in many familiar books' and showing the kids that there is magic in every book definitely entices even the youngest to want to go explore different books in the library.
All around, great message, wonderful fun and we are so happy that we booked you as our first performer of the school year. Keep up the great work!
- Sarah A., Mountain View School, Bristol, CT
"Domino the Great is an excellent choice who will not disappoint!"
"Our K-6 Elementary School booked Domino the Great's "Read to Succeed" program for our Read Across America celebration. Domino more than delivered on his promise of using his magic show to excite and motivate our students to read.
His performance was entertaining, up-beat, and included plenty of audience participation. Domino geared each assembly toward the grade levels he was presenting to and used magic to illuminate the importance of being a "reader." He sent a very strong message to students and staff alike that reading a book is like discovering a treasure with untold riches.
If you are looking for a dynamic entertainer who is able to speak to children on their level about educational issues, Domino the Great is an excellent choice who will not disappoint! In fact, our students were racing to the library to borrow his book just moments after the assembly was over. I cannot think of a better testimonial than that!"
Stacey O., Reading Specialist at Towamensing Elementary School, Lehighton, PA
"All The Students Were Totally Engaged During The Entire Assembly!"
"Domino presented two "Read to Succeed" programs to our K-4 students. I am happy to say that the students were totally engaged during the entire assembly. As I watched our students, I realized that every child was paying attention; no one was talking to his or her neighbor or looking bored. Domino was able to "read" the students and extend his performance when the children were engaged and was creative enough to realize when he needed to move on.
He did this effortlessly all the while keeping the children laughing and happy.
When the assembly was over, the students silently (yes! silently!) left the auditorium. I have never seen children behaving so well due to a performer's show. Every week, I have children asking to check out Domino's magic book. This small detail tells me how much the students enjoyed the show!"
Randie Akunowicz - School Librarian at Lincoln Park Elementary School, Lincoln Park, NJ
Domino The Great Offers (PARP),Reading School Assembly Programs ("Read To Succeed") for K-6th grade all Throughout: New York,Westchester County, New York City and many other school districts in NY.